Black Mouth Cur Puppies for sale in Royse City, Texas

The Black Mouth Cur, also known as the Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur or Yellow Black Mouth Cur, is an American cur-type working dog from the Southern United States. It is generally believed to descend from dogs brought to Mississippi by European settlers, later spreading through Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas as an all-purpose homestead dog that could trail game, pen cattle and hogs, and guard the family. The name refers to the dark mask and pigmented lips and gums many dogs carry. Old Yeller, the title character of Fred Gipson's classic novel, is widely claimed to have been a Black Mouth Cur, and the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1998.

Black Mouth Curs are medium to large dogs, typically standing 16 to 26 inches tall and weighing 35 to 60 pounds, with a short, close-fitting coat that needs minimal grooming. They are loyal, courageous and strongly bonded to their people, combining serious working drive with a protective streak toward home and family. Well-socialized dogs are usually good with children, though their energy and intensity suit experienced, active owners. Daily vigorous exercise and a job to do are important, because a bored Cur will invent its own entertainment. This is a hardy, generally healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 16 years.